PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 3839, 14 June 1875, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Monday, June 14. Tri ai F.wer to questions the Government stated (1) That the Distinct Engineer had visited the northern district north of Oamar i at least six times since January last; and the /I beyond the Maerewheiiua at leant once (2.) That there was no contract between the Government and P Henderson and Co. (3.) I he Provincial Solicitor was requested some time ago to take action towards recovering from Mr Pollock possession of the burhes at Wairuna Popotunoa, and Merrie Creek ; but a delay had arisen through a difficulty in obtaining a cony of the lease, and though action could be taken. without it ? , it ■ would, ho a very ciremtous method. (4.) The return laid on the t ab!# referred to lands reserved for the Lawrence Athenamm and Crown granted ; a fuller return would be brought down in a few days, and all the c >rres jondence relating to the subject be (aid on the table. Some information had come to light which might lead the Council to resolve not to confirm the reserves. There were some buildings on the land reserved, and the Province had to pay L3OO as compensation. If the land was sold it would bring a price that would more than recoup the Province. ihe 1 etitions Committee reported on the fwrT™ i Campbell, recommending that LI GO should be paid to them ; on the petition of Win. Rooney, ex-constable, that 1,150 be pud to him as compensation for injunes j eceived in the discharge of his duties; and on the petition of William Elder and others, owners of the whaling bairnue Splendid which set forth that Ithcy were entitled to the full bonus voted last 'session, that it had been proved that the owimr of T3i 6 * ,ar( l u ® Chance, which sailed from the Bluff oh September 13 last, forty-four days before the Splendid, was really entitled to. the bonus.* i

In moving the resolution rr. the Peninsula Kailway, of which he gave notice on Thursday. Mr Tolmie explained that he did not vote for the second reading of the Bill because;' he disapproved of the concessions proposed to bo given to the company and of the action of the Government. Mr Fagoitt gave notice of his mtention to ask for- leave to introduce a -Kill to give the Company, so faf as? the Provincial Council could, power to construct the line. It was explained that from this Bill

(leave to introduce ■which was subsequently given and it read a first time) the objectionable features of the last one would be eliminaetd—no concessions would be given; the General Assembly would have to be applied to for power to take Crown lands, land below high water mark, &c,, power would be given to the Superintendent to regulate the fares, and provision made whereby Government trains should pass over the Company’s line without charge, and the trains of other companies at rates to be fixed by the Superintendent.

Mr Tdrton has given notice of his intention to move in Committee of Supply that the pay of the police should be increased—constables by Is 6d, and the sergeants and detectives by Is a day.